Check the counterparty
Verify the legal business name, address, contact details, terms, withdrawal rules and a plausible trading history. Do not rely solely on reviews displayed by the seller.
Prices far below the market reference require particular caution. Pressure, guaranteed gains and requests to continue a transaction through a messenger are strong warning signs.
Payment and delivery
Use a payment method and order process that leave a clear record. Check insured shipping limits, identity checks, delivery procedure and responsibility for transport damage before paying.
On receipt, document the package and compare weight, dimensions, seal and serial number with the invoice. Do not publish serial numbers or storage details.
Product and authenticity
Prefer products with clear fine-gold specifications from established refiners or mints. Packaging can help detect tampering but is not a substitute for professional testing.
Keep invoices and payment records securely. They may be relevant for authenticity, insurance, ownership evidence and tax documentation.
Decide on storage before buying
Home storage, bank safe-deposit boxes and professional custody have different costs, access conditions and counterparty risks. Insurance coverage should be confirmed rather than assumed.
Gold Update does not rank or recommend individual dealers. The checklist is designed to make offers and risks easier to compare.
Bank, specialist dealer or online shop
Each channel can be legitimate. Banks may offer a familiar counterparty but a narrower range; specialist dealers may provide deeper product knowledge; online shops can simplify price comparison but make identity, delivery and payment checks especially important.
Compare the same product on delivered cost, binding price time, insured shipping, collection options and repurchase terms. The sales channel alone does not prove quality or value.
Withdrawal rights and fraud warnings
German withdrawal law contains exceptions for goods whose price depends on financial-market movements. Do not assume an online gold order can be cancelled after the market moves; read the binding-price and cancellation terms before ordering.
Copied legal notices, recently created domains, implausibly low prices, payment to unrelated accounts and pressure to communicate only through a messenger are warning signs. Verify the business through independent official records and contact details.
Frequently asked questions
Concise answers based on the explanations above. The full section provides the relevant detail and limitations.
What should readers know about “Check the counterparty”?
Verify the legal business name, address, contact details, terms, withdrawal rules and a plausible trading history. Do not rely solely on reviews displayed by the seller.
What should readers know about “Payment and delivery”?
Use a payment method and order process that leave a clear record. Check insured shipping limits, identity checks, delivery procedure and responsibility for transport damage before paying.
What should readers know about “Product and authenticity”?
Prefer products with clear fine-gold specifications from established refiners or mints. Packaging can help detect tampering but is not a substitute for professional testing.
Sources and editorial basis
Key statements were reviewed against the following primary sources and institutions. Last source access and editorial review: .